Explore the life and legacy of George Walton, a man whose journey began far differently from most of the founding generation. Orphaned at a young age, he rose through the ranks to become a leading voice for the Revolutionary cause. This timeline traces his path—from his dedicated military service and time as a prisoner of war to his pivotal role in the Continental Congress, where, at just 26 years old, he became a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Follow the key moments that defined his family life and his enduring contribution to American history.
George Walton was born in Cumberland County, Virginia, probably between September 1749 and February 1750. On September 5, 1749, Robert Walton added a codicil to his will. He mentioned three children and “the child my wife now goes with.” George would be this child, the youngest of Robert and Mary Hughes Walton.
The will of George’s father, Robert Walton, was probated on June 25, 1750, leaving his wife Mary Hughes Walton with four young children.
Just seven years later, guardians are selected for the children of Robert and Mary Hughes Walton. The two youngest children, Sally and George, go to live with their uncle George Walton, brother of Robert Walton, and his wife Martha Hughes Walton. The couple eventually have 13 children of their own.
He received an education, but in 1765, George was released from his uncle’s guardianship when he apprenticed to builder Christopher Ford to learn a trade.
In 1769, George leaves Virginia and moves to Savannah, Georgia. He apprentices with Henry Younge to read the law.
George Walton is elected as secretary of the Provincial Congress. Archibald Bulloch is elected president.
A motion was made and seconded, that a Committee of Intelligence be appointed, which being agreed to, it was ordered that William Young, David Zubly, Stephen Drayton, Daniel Roberts, John Glen, Edward Telfair, William Ewen, Joseph Clay, and George Walton, Esquires, be that Committee. From the Revolutionary Records of the State of Georgia, Vol. I
“You will permit us most earnestly to recommend to you a steady perseverance in the cause of Liberty, and that you will use all possible caution not to say or do anything unworthy of so glorious a cause; to promote frugality, peace and good order, and in the practice of every social and religious duty, patiently to wait the return of that happy day, when we may quietly sit under our vine and fig-tree, and no man make us afraid.” From THE ADDRESS OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE PROVINCIAL CONGRESS